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There were competitions and then there was the Bridgerton family competitions. They were notoriously competitive; the fights were legendary. They got competitive over absolutely everything. Penelope was currently sitting in the middle of a pre competition battle. Her eyes were bouncing around the room at the 8 Bridgerton siblings along with their 5 spouses.

The evening had started innocuous enough with dinner but had soon devolved into a battle over the most random of things. They had decided, or rather Kate had decided they were going to watch an episode of the Great British Baking show. She had somehow become hooked on the show during Covid, and it had stuck. The problem started when one by one all of the Bridgerton's had proclaimed rather boisterously that they could do the things that the talented bakers working in the famous white tent could do, chaos soon followed afterwards so now she sat watching the scene unfold to the point that they were attempting to work out the logistics of the situation.

Penelope took a sip of her wine and stood to get out of the chaos for a few minutes. She was pouring herself some more wine when she heard someone enter the kitchen behind her. “Trying to catch a moment of peace?” Francesca asked as she came to stand next to her. Penelope smiled and nodded. “Yea, just glad I can't be dragged into this competition. I am not a Bridgerton.” Penelope answered, the thought of being a Bridgerton had always been a dream, but as an adult she realized the unlikely hood of it ever happening, so she was content to be on the sidelines. “Don't get your hopes up to high.” Francesca said as she took her wine glass back to the chaos, before Penelope could ask what she had meant.

She stood in the relative quiet for a few more minutes and was just about to go back into the living room, when Colin burst through the kitchen door and straight to her, picking her up and twirling her in his arms. “This is going to be amazing Pen!” Penelope just laughed, even though she had no clue what he was talking about. “I cannot believe you got Penelope as your partner, what the actual fuck.” Eloise said coming through the kitchen door.

“Well, she is my best friend, and you have Phillip.” The grin on Colin's face was pure elation. Penelope looked between the two siblings, completely confused. “But Penelope can actually bake, like holy shit bake, and you know that all of the judges will like hers better than the rest.” Penelope's head was spinning as she attempted to make sense of the conversation occurring around her and apparently about her. “OYE!” Penelope shouted attempting to get the attention of her two best friends. The two siblings turned to look at her.

“Someone needs to explain what the bloody hell you two are talking about.” She asked, growing frustrated at the lack of information in the conversation so far. Eloise decided to finally start talking. “So, ok we are going to have a competition, we are going to have the Bridgerton Bake off, the only difference is that we are going to do it in pairs. We are still working on the logistics. We know it is going to happen at Aubrey Hall. Anthony is working on obtaining everything we need, Kate is going to ask Mum, Agatha and Mary to be the judges. We are going to do it over a two-week period during the month we are there, since there are 14 people we will do partners, there will be 10 days of competition. We will do the same thing as the show, a signature bake, a technical and then a showstopper. One team will be eliminated every week with the last three competing for a prize that is to be determined. The finale will happen the last week we are there.”

Eloise seemed genuinely excited about this, but Penelope didn't want to point out the obvious that Eloise could barely scramble eggs, so she kept her mouth shut. Colin stood off the side grinning like a loon. “Umm and how did I get pulled into this. I am not a Bridgerton, nor am I a spouse, partner or girlfriend.” She looked at Colin as she said this and swore that she saw something pass over his face. “Well, when we decided partners, or spouses, there was also an executive decision to add you.” Colin piped up his face lighting up

“So, since it is only me Gregory and Hyacinth who aren't married, we drew straws.” Penelope's mouth fell open “Well ok then, I mean wouldn't want Gregory to get hurt because he's distracted by my tits.” Penelope quipped just as Colin took a drink of his beer, spewing it out and Eloise barked out a very unladylike like laugh. Colin cleaned his face up with a tea towel and walked over to Penelope wrapping his arm around her shoulder and dropping down to whisper in her ear. “We are so going to win, can't wait to see you in your element, right next to me.” Penelope could feel the blush over her entire body. 'She was going to be spending time next to Colin, baking getting dirty, watching his hands work, oh jesus christ she was fucked.' She thought taking a large gulp of her wine.

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Colin couldn't be more excited if he tried, granted it took him bribing Kate to ensure that he was the one with the long straw that ensured he was paired up with Penelope but hey if she wanted the 8 thousand dollar purse then she was going to get it, as long as it meant he got to spend as much time with Penelope over the next few months. He was sitting in his flat, staring at his favorite picture of her, when a face time call came in. He smiled when the same picture popped up that he was just looking at.

“Hey!” Colin said standing up to go get something to eat.
“Hey, so your sister just called. It looks like we need to be at Anthony and Kate's house in an hour, I am on my way to your place now. They have all the rules set along with the list of all the bakes we are going to do.” Penelope's voice sounded flustered at this.
“Pen, are you ok?” Colin asked
“Yea, just you know how I am, always want to be perfect, so I have been studying up on traditional baking, I don't know.”
Colin smiled at this, Pen was always the most prepared person he knew.
“Pen, you know we will win this. We both can bake already, you taught me remember?”
Penelope nodded, taking a deep breath.
“Ok, so it will be fine. We got this beautiful.”

Colin watched as the blush spread across her cheeks, “Ok Col, I will be there in like 5 minutes.” Colin nodded and ended the call. He loved making Penelope blush, he was constantly doing anything and everything he could to make her blush. It didn't help that he had spent an inordinate amount of time wondering if the blush went all over her body, or that he was always struck dumb whenever Penelope's shirt happened to show some serious cleavage, he was all the happier for it, and if he loved their height difference for a multitude of reasons, one that he could pick her up like a rag doll, or that she fit into his side perfectly.

He had been in love with her for such a long period of time, he almost couldn't remember what it was like to not love her. He wanted to be with her, but he was terrified of her rejecting him, so he pushed it down, at the very least he had his best friend, even if he wanted so much more. Sighing Colin stood to grab his shoes, he had just tied them when there was a knock at his front door. He opened the door with enthusiasm and grabbed Penelope's hand pulling her into his arms.

“Hello beautiful.” Colin said smiling as Penelope buried her head in his chest as he squeezed her to him. He drew in a deep breath, her spicy perfume a pure assault on his already tenuous self control. “Let's go, I am sure this is going to be highly entertaining.” Colin said pulling her back out the door and down to the street. It only took 30 minutes to get to his brothers house, and Colin could see they were the last to make it.

Once they were inside and everybody was settled down Kate took the lead. Colin placed one arm around Penelope's shoulders, she looked up at him with confusion on her face. He just smiled and squeezed her shoulder.

“Ok, so we already have the teams layed out, I have spoken with the three judges and they have all agreed with the rules we have laid out.

The competition will start on day three at Aubrey Hall, We have rented a tent that will hold the 7 work stations, they are double the size of the ones in the show due to working in pairs, but there is only 7 ovens, The work stations will have everything you could possibly need, once you are eliminated, you will be able to take all of the kitchen items home with you.” Penelope's face lit up at this, Colin smiled knowing this was more than enough of a prize for Penelope.

The order of the bakes will be as follows, you will also have two days between competition days to practice, along with a week to practice for the final three.

The first week will be a hybrid week, since we didn't want to do anything super complicated, but if the muse wants you to complicate it go for it” Kate winked at Penelope at this.

“The first bake will be biscuts. You can select any type of biscuts but they have to be English biscuts, no american style cookies. The first techincal will be said cookies, but that will be a game day decesion by the judges as to what type of cookie it will be.

The first Showstopper will be a pull apart, well two, one savory one sweet.”
Colin glanced down to see Penelope writing furiously in her notebook, smiling he looked back up at Kate.

The second signature bake will be a tray bake of your choosing. The technical will once again be chosen by a judge. The second technical will be announced after the first days of competition are completed. The second showstopper will be a savory pudding.” Colin's stomach growled at this, he was in heaven, food and Pen what more could a man want.

The third signature bake will be tarts of any flavor, once again the technical is to be determined at a later date. The third showstopper will be one savory and one sweet pie.

The forth signature bake will be bread, any flavor, type , just bread. And once again the technical is to be determined. The show stopper will be a bread bonanza with three types of bread at least.

The finale is the final three teams. The signature will be cupcakes, yes we went American with this once, but it must be a cup cake cake. The technical will be determined by majority vote by the eliminated bakers and judges. The show stopper will be cake, any cake but it has to be at least three tiers big.”Colin's eyes went wide at this, he was a sucker for cake.

“You will be timed for each part of the competition, and just like the show if you drop it or it falls, that is what is judged, There are no seconds chances. The winner, will get Bridgerton bragging rights along with an engraved plate and a gift card to be named later of no less than a 1000 dollars.” Colin looked down at Penelope. She was was still scribbling away, looking at the notebook he could already see a list of things she was planning for them to make.

Biscuits: Custard Creams ( vanilla, banana, cinnamon?)
Cookies: Whoopee pie. When Colin saw this, he had to stifle a groan, he had loved whoopie pies when he had visited the states.
Pull apart: savory or sweet, ask if it matters sweet- apple cinnamon Savory: Bacon cheese, garlic

Tray bake: Lemon bars

Savory pudding:Cheese pudding.

Colin was positively drooling at Penelope's list at this point, “Ok, so we have two weeks until we leave for Aubrey Hall, for those of you with children, we will have 4 nannies with us to watch the children during the competition. Colin turned back to look at Penelope who was thinking so hard she had the pen in one side of her mouth with her tongue sticking out the other side. Colin laughed at the sight of her. She looked up at him and smiled. “ Well thats two weeks down.” She said pointing at her list. Colin stood and grabbed her hand dragging her off the couch and into the kitchen where he picked her up and sat her on the counter. Penelope let out a squeal at the contact.

“Ok, so what was the third week?” Colin asked standing in between her legs.

Penelope's brow shot up noticing the distinct lack of distance between them, but after clearing her throat she looked back down at her list.

“Umm, it's Tarts, I figure most of the other teams would do something with apple since it's usually the most common fruit. I was thinking Pineapple.” Colin's stomach rumbled again at this, he would probably gain 20 pounds after all this but honestly he could care less. “Then for the sweet pie I was thinking a key lime pie, then for the savory I was thinking a chicken pit pie, but with Spinach instead of peas, and a more cheese base.” She continued writing the items down on her list.

“The fourth week?” Colin asked, his hand coming to rest on her thigh, she didn't flinch but she did look up at him. “That is Bread, I was thinking cheese and olive. Then for the showstopper I would do a sweet bread medley, One cranberry,almond and white chocolate. One chocolate peanut butter bread and then a banana cinnamon bread.”

Colin moved his hand further up her thigh to rest on her waist. He looked deep into her eyes again. His voice coming out low and raw. “And the finale.” Penelope's cheeks went blood red.
“Umm, a chocolate raspberry cupcake with raspberry jam in the center, with a chocolate caramel icing, in the shape of your choosing. And the cake will be a lemon, blueberry vanilla cake with design to be determined.”

Colin groaned at this and taking a deep breath he lifted his hands to cup her face. Penelope swallowed at this. “Please?” Colin asked, and Penelope nodded the smallest of nods. The tension had been building for the past two hours and Colin needed this, like he needed his next breath. He moved his head down to hers, angling his head and was about an inch away, Colin could feel her breath on his face, she licked her lips and Colin was lost.

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Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit.' was the only cognizant thought going through Penelope's mind as Colin's mouth brushed hers, her legs moved around his hips involuntarily and Colin groaned pulling her tight up against him as he deepened the kiss. “Oh God Pen, I.” Suddenly Penelope's eye's popped open at the sound of footsteps heading their way and Colin jumped back. “Ok, so sounds like a good plan, but maybe we can work out some strategy on some of the things.” Colin suddenly startled humming as he poured his self a glass of water.

Eloise entered the kitchen at this point. “I should have know you to were already deep in the planning.” Penelope nodded. “Umm, yea, just trying to work out the first week at least. So umm Colin do you want me to write out a list of supplies we will need to practice the first bakes and then you can bring them to my flat?” Colin nodded dumbly, Penelope couldn't believe she had managed to form enough of a sentence to throw Eloise off their trail.

“Umm, Yea,” Colin said clearing his throat. “Umm, do you want to write it down for me and I will run to the store and then meet you back at your flat?” Penelope could tell Colin was trying to stay behind the counter and the thought sent a thrill down her spine ' Was he hard?” A smile crept over Penelope's face and she titled her head. “Oh yea, if that isn't too hard?” Colin's eyes went wide at the double meaning and he took a deep breath, the tips of his ears going red. “Here let me write it down for you.” Penelope said hopping off the counter inserting her self between Colin and the counter.

She leaned over to start writing, her ass brushing up against Colin's hips, causing a small whimper to escape. Eloise who was not paying attention as she was turned around pouring wine at the bar cart, didn't notice the way Colin grabbed Penelope's hips and pulled her tight against him. “Ok, I'll leave you two to your strategy but your not gonna win! I just know we can beat you two.” Colin laughed at this, his hands still wrapped around Penelope's waist as Eloise went back into the kitchen.

Once she was sure that Eloise was gone for good. Penelope turned around and Colin pounced. Pushing her up against the counted. “If you think I am not going to continue what we started here your insane, but before you get in your head about all of this.” Penelope's face turned red at this. 'This man knows me way too well. 'Penelope thought. “I want you, so I will go get these groceries, but just in case you are still spiraling. I want this, all of it but I want to take it slow, work at your pace.” Penelope's mouth fell open at this. She stared into his deep blue eyes, that were currently black with desire.

She took a deep breath before she spoke. “I want this too, but I think slow is good and I don't want anyone to know just yet.” “I agree.” Colin said, “And not because I am ashamed of you.” He continued “I want this to just be us; I don't want to share you any more than I have too. Luckily, I get to spend all this time with you. So glad I bribed Kate.” Penelope's mouth fell open. “You what?” Colin blushed “ Umm, well I gave Kate a purse that she wanted to make sure me and you got paired up.” He said bowing his head and smiling.” You crazy sexy man, ok so go get this stuff and we will discuss all this later.” Colin smiled at this and swooped down to peck her on the lips, grabbed the list and took off out the kitchen.

Penelope spun around wrapping herself in a hug. “So, I guess the bribe was worth it huh?” Kate voice came from behind her. “Oh, umm” Kate smiled. “I promise no one else knows and I won't say anything, I just want you two to be happy. I see the way the two of you are and trust me it isn't brother sister affection. I love you both.” The tears were freely flowing down Penelope's face at this point, so she did the only thing she could do and wrapped Kate in a huge hug “I will babysit anytime you two need a date night.”

Kate chuckled at this, “Oh trust me I will take you up on that, now get going so he isn't kept waiting.” Penelope's smile was so big her face was hurting as she made a hasty exit, heading towards the unknown but with Colin next to her it didn't scare her. Despite all the unknowns, the next three months were going to be an exercise in baking, patience and subterfuge and she couldn't wait.

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It was a rainy day when they arrived at Aubrey Hall, Colin was on pins and needles, It had been two weeks of stolen kisses, hiding from Eloise when she came over and practicing baking, well attempting to. He was too excited about getting to spend as much time with Penelope as he could, but that meant he had been distracted about the whole baking thing. Colin knew he was only going to be assisting at best and honestly he was ok with that. Penelope's skills at baking were going to win them the contest. He smiled when he pulled out the box of special ingredients for the contest that Penelope had been getting together over the past two weeks. She was definitely in this contest to win.

There was noise coming from behind the house but Colin knew it was the crew that Anthony had hired to set up the tent. He pulled out their bags and walked into the house where Penelope had already been pulled by Eloise. Phillip stood by the door laughing, “Guessing she took your baking buddy?” Colin laughed at this. “I am not worried about it, Penelope's the real power house in this relationship.” Phillips eye brows shot up.

“Don't worry I won't say anything, but honestly I can't believe you two have kept it secret for two weeks, I mean it's super obvious but I guess that's from not being around the two of you for years, watching the will they won't they.” Colin's ears blushed red at this. “Umm. Yea guess it just took a little push.” Phillips laughed again. “Or a bribe to a certain sister in law?” Colin's mouth dropped open. “The spouses and partners have a separate group chat, the two of you have been a trending topic every time someone gets added, but trust me the only one who won't figure it out until it's in her face is Eloise, everyone else is cheering for the two of you.”

Colin laughed at this. “Sounds about right, so guessing I can rely on you and my sisters in laws and Simon to give us some alone time?” Phillip chuckled and nodded. “Yea, we will figure it out.” Colin patted his back and they walked into the house. Colin dropped the box of ingredients on the table in the foyer and moved to the staircase to put their bags away, he dropped Penelope's bag in her room and moved across the hall to his. They had spent the last two weeks sleeping in the same bed, nothing other than some heavy make out sessions had happened as Colin wanted to wait for a bit. He didn't want to push her.

He opened the door to his room dropping the bags right inside, he heard a sound and looked up, his knees felt like jello when he looked up and saw Penelope on his bed, the number of times he had laid in that very bed and thought about her being there with him was insane. “Pen?” Colin said his voice sounding very rough. “I wanted to kiss you in your bed.” Colin's mouth fell open and he rushed to her jumping on the bed and covering her body with his. He propped his self up with his arms, his lower body aligning with hers. “Pen, if you knew.” Colin said as he nuzzled her neck. “If I knew what Colin?” She said lifting her leg to wrap around his hips locking his body against hers. Colin let out a moan.

“If you knew the number of times I have jerked off thinking about you in this bed, the number if dreams I have had about you. The number of times I watched you in the pool, drooling over these.” He said leaning on one elbow and moving his hand to cover her chest. “Oh Col, I have dreamed about you taking me in this bed so many times. I wanted to be surrounded by your body, your scent everything.” She breathed out as he squeezed her breast, Penelope arched her back, pressing herself fully into his palm. “Fuck baby, I want.”

“You want what Col, it's yours.” she said placing a light kiss on his lips. Colin couldn't take it anymore and smashed his lips to hers, taking her breath away as he molded his mouth to hers. He rutted his cock against her center, her light pink sundress riding up exposing her center that was covered in white lace panties. “Please” Penelope begged as his hand moved to the strap of the dress as he began to lay kisses on her chest. “Fuck Pen I want this, I want you so bad.” Colin said as he continued. “But I know if we do this now my family is going to interfere or come knocking any minute now. I promise you it will happen soon. I can't hold out from making love to you for very much longer but if I know my family.”

A sudden knock at the door ended Colin's words. “Hey Colin, have you seen Pen?” Eloise's voice came in the room and Penelope's hand moved to her mouth. “Uggh, yea she is in here we are working on our strategy we will be down in a few minutes.” Colin said trying his hardest to not laugh as Penelope's body turned bright red. “Yea El, we will be finished in a few minutes.” “Ughhh fine.” Eloise said stomping off. Penelope's laugh was instantaneous when she was sure El was gone. “Jesus, so ummm we need to go put your ingredients up.” Colin said kissing her quickly and then hopping off the bed, rearranging his clothes.

Colin's resolve was slipping but he could make it. The week of the finale he was going to propose if he could last that long.

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It was the day of the first competition, they were all standing in the tent, each of them at their stations. Colin felt like he was going to crawl out of his skin. They had set the tent up basically in the same style as the show with one big difference. The work stations were twice as long and were centered in the tent. The stations were in order from youngest to oldest Bridgerton. The first station was Gregory and Hyacinth. Second was Fran and Micheal, third was Eloise and Phillip. Fourth was Daphne and Simon. Fifth was Colin and Penelope's, then Benedict and Sophie were directly behind them with Anthony and Kate at the back of the tent. The ovens were double ovens since there were two bakers. Colin smiled remembering the fist time that Penelope had saw the tent, her eyes had lit up. She had found their station and moved everything to a spot that was more accommodating to her. Colin was so in love with her he could barely stand it.

They were currently standing next to each other, their pinkies locked together as they waited for the competition to begin. He watched as his youngest siblings seemed to already be arguing. 'Good' He thought to his self. Hopefully they would argue the entire time and mess up their bakes. Colin watched as his mum, Agatha and Mary all walked into the tent. Agatha being the loudest of them all began speaking.

“Good morning everyone.” She said he eyes roaming over the tent. They responded as she watched them. “So this morning is the first bake, it will be a traditional English biscuit. There must be at least two dozen. They can be any design, fillings or flavors. You have two and a half hours to complete the task You will be scored at the end of every bake, The partners with the lowest score will be eliminated and those with the high score will earn a special suprise for being the star bakers. Colin was vibrating at this point, he knew they were going to win.

Violet spoke at this point, “On your mark.” Mary then continued. “Get set.” “BAKE!” they both said and the movement was instantaneous. Penelope's movements were precise, they had talked about the break down of tasks, he needed to turn the oven on, he looked around the tent and was already fighting the urge to not laugh, Penelope was already measuring out everything she needed, cups of flour, sugar, the special bottle of vanilla extract he had picked up when he was traveling stood next to the bowl where the wet ingredients were going to go.

“Col, milk egg, just one yolk, and butter.” Colin followed her orders without question, it continued this way until he was staring at the 48 cookies in the oven as Penelope's skilled hands were working on the custard filling, somehow she had gotten a cookie cutter that made them look amazingly professional, Colin stood and turned to observe the carnage his siblings were creating. Hyacinth and Gregory were both covered in something he assumed was flour. He could smell something burning and stooped to check on the biscuits they were baking but they were still a very pale color. He looked up at Penelope who was concentrating.

He heard the time call from his stooped position, “You have one hour left.” his mother called out, just as his timer went off. “Pen?” Colin said knowing better than to take them out. She stooped down next to him and she nodded squeezing his thigh as she stood. Colin groaned and then pulled the biscuits out of the oven. He carefully transferred them to the cooling rack , turning his attention back to his siblings he looked behind him and saw Kate and Anthony already arguing, because of course they were. Benedict's apron was covered in chocolate as was Sophie's nose, He chuckled as he turned around.

“ How long will they need to cool?” Colin asked picking up a clean cookie sheet and started fanning the cookies, he had watched enough of the show with Penelope to have remembered this move. Penelope laughed, well you could put them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Colin nodded and walked over opening the fridge that was against the tent wall. He didn't want to risk dropping the cooling racks. He went back and picked up the racks each holding 24 biscuits.

Colin smiled when he turned back to Penelope watching her mixing the custard. He could tell Eloise was attempting to curb her temper, even this far away he could see she was frustrated. He knew his sister was notoriously bad at taking instructions. He saw Daphne and Simon working seemingly in tandem with each other, as were Francesca and Micheal. Smiling he started cleaning up their work station so they would have plenty of room to fill the custard creams, but not before he set a timer to make sure to take the biscuits out of the fridge.

The timer sounded at the exact time Agatha called out they had 30 minutes left, he carefully pulled the biscuits from the fridge and brought them t Penelope. She had already told him, his job was to carefully place the top half on the bottom once the cream was on them. It became a well oiled assembly line and before they knew it, they were placing them carefully on the display tray.

“Cuppa?” Colin asked when they finished with 5 minutes to go. Penelope nodded and winked at him. By the time the first competition ended, Colin and Penelope were sitting calmly on their stools waiting. The three women started at the first table. Whatever Gregory and Hyacinth had made causing all three of the women to start coughing. He tried not to laugh as they moved to Francesca and Micheal next, he saw them smiling, then they moved to Eloise and Phillip, where Eloise immediately launched into a speech about the patriarchy, causing Penelope to laugh into her cup of tea. There was very little reaction at Daphne and Simon's table but at least he could hear the remarks now. “Very good, a little over baked but good.” Came from Agatha and his mum and Mary nodded in agreement.

Colin was beaming as they moved to the end of their station. The three women were already smiling as they saw the amazing display of biscuits, “We went with a traditional custard cream, the vanilla is both an extract along with a little bit of vanilla bean paste just for an extra punch.” Penelope said as the three women picked up one of the biscuits and took a bite. He watched their faces, his mum's eyes rolled back in her head. Agatha who was a notoriously hard person to read took a second bite, something he hadn't seen her do at the previous stations, and Mary gasped.

“Oh these are lovely.” Mary said looking at both of them. Agatha winked at Penelope and his mother kissed Penelope's cheek. The three women moved to Ben and Sophie but Colin was too busy staring at Pen to pay attention to them. Once they finished with Anthony and Kate, they spoke quietly for a few seconds before coming back to face them.

“Ok in 6th place we have a tie. Colin was struggling not to laugh, “We award points out of 10.
Hyacinth and Gregory.” The two youngest groaned at this, already starting up arguing again. “Oye,” Anthony yelled stopping the argument for the time being. “Thank you and Phillip and Eloise.” Eloise immediately stomped away. Penelope's eyes followed her as she shook her head. “In 5th place we have Benedict and Sophie.”Colin turned to see Sophie punch Benedict's arm and Benedict's face fell. “In 4th place we have Anthony and Kate.” Colin watched as Kate rolled her eyes at her husband and he groaned. “In 3rd place we have Daphne and Simon.” Daphne smiled and wrapped her arms around her husband.

“In 2nd place we have Fracesca and Micheal.” Micheal pumped his arm in the air and leaned over and kissed Fran's cheeks. “So of course that leaves Penelope and Colin in first.” Colin turned to Penelope and pulled her into his arms lifting her and spinning her around. “Ok, we will break for lunch for an hour, which is in the garden, The nannies are bringing the children down. We will then have an hour and a half for the technical which will put us at 2 pm. We will then start the showstopper at 3 which will go for three hours.”

They all acknowledged Agatha and began to move towards the tent exit. Colin looked around noticing that the spouses of his siblings seemed to be pulling their partners out of the tent. Colin went to grab Penelope's hand when she came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. Colin smiled. “So is their something I should know?” Colin asked turning around to face her pushing her against the counter.

“Yea, they know, apparently we are a hot topic of discussion in the married to Bridgerton chat.” Colin laughed at the name. “Is it really called that?” Penelope nodded. “I got added to it after you talked to Phillip.” Colin laughed at this. “I figured.” Penelope said as he leaned down to place a light kiss on her lips. “Ok, we have to be careful, let's go share these treats with everyone. I can't believe we came in first. I mean I was expecting 4th tops.” Colin looked down at her.

“Baby, you are going to win this, I just get to come along for the ride. And besides I already won because I have your heart.” Penelope blushed at this. “You have always had my heart Colin.” Colin leaned further into her pushing her into the counter. “You have always had mine, now lets go eat and then come back and win this thing.” Penelope smiled as he picked up the custard creams and went out to lunch.

They reconviened after lunch, all the dishes had been washed and their stations now all held a gingham covered basket. They all took their places and tied their aprons. Colin helped Penelope tie hers, lightly running his fingers along her ass as he did so, making Penelope gasp. He smiled as he lightly pinched her and then moved to stand next to her.

“Ok, so your first techincal was chosen by Violet. You have two hours to make 2 dozen Chocolate chip walnut cookies. They must be uniform in size, firm on the outside and gooey on the inside. On your mark.” Agatha said watching them. “Get set.” Mary continued. “BAKE” His mother yelled and the three women moved to sit down at the table, they were not allowed to wander around during this portion of the event. Colin looked at the recipe and was floored he was always stunned by the lack of information the bakers on the show were given but looking at the paper in front of him he was struck dumb. Penelope's hand moved to cover his now shaking one.

“Col, you have helped me make this exact cookie before, I promise we have this. Penelope began moving thru the ingredients with practiced ease, she sifted the flour, before putting the salt, baking soda and powder into the large bowl. “Colin put the butter and the brown sugar into the mixing bowl,once they are both in it together start the mixer on slow, then move it to the middle setting. , use the paddle attachment.” Colin nodded moving to add the specified amount of butter and brown sugar.

“Scrape it down the edge of the bowl until it becomes a very light color,” Colin nodded following her words “Next, put the vanilla and then one egg at a time until each one is incorporated.” Colin followed her words as she was chopping up the pre shelled walnuts along with the milk chocolate chunks. “Ok, so now we slowly have to add the dry in, once we have the dry fully incorporated we will add the walnuts and chocolate by hand ok, then we will chill them for thirty minutes. Colin nodded, watching her movements. “Can you line the cookie sheets for me babe.” Penelope said not noticing she said the word babe.

Colin was grinning like an idiot as he grabbed the parchment and lined the four sheets. Penelope was currently taking the mixing bowl off the stand mixer and scraping the edges down, she then slowly started adding the walnuts and chocolate bits into the dough, making sure that every thing was drenched in the thick batter. She then wrapped the bowl in cellophane and took it to the fridge. “Ok, set a timer for 30 minutes.” Colin nodded and set the timer. “You have one hour left bakers.” Violet said standing up to make sure she was heard. “Ok, Colin preheat the oven to 190 c.” Colin nodded and moved to follow her orders. Fifteen minutes later his timer went off and Penelope grabbed the dough out of the fridge. “Ok, so we take the ice cream scoop and fill it to the top, don't over fill it, I will fill the first tray. Once you put in the oven, set a timer for 19 minutes, there are 4 timers on the counter.” Colin nodded, watching as she moved thru the motions quickly handing him each completed tray, they would have about three minutes in between each tray, with about 20 ish minutes to cool them and plate them. Colin was watching her in awe, he was amazed at they way she moved thru everything. Before they knew it, they heard the “Bakers you have 5 minutes.”

Colin placed the plate on there station, Penelope began transferring the cookies from the cooling rack to the plate, making sure they were beautifully displayed. She had just laid down the last cookie when they called time. “Bakers, times up. We are stepping out now so you can bring your bakes up to the long table and place them behind your pictures.” Agatha said as the three women walked out of the tent. Colin knew better than to rush with his family around and watched as they all moved at the same time, before he moved, picking up their plate and placing it behind the picture they had taken when they first arrived. He was standing behind her, his arms wrapped around her middle.

A few minutes later, the three women came back into the room. They slowly started moving down the table. At the first station which was Anthony and Kates. “Ok, a bit under baked.” Agatha said opening the cookie she had picked up. “Yes, this one is fully raw in the center.” His mum said, Mary didn't say anything moving to the next one. The women looked down at the tray in front of them. Which belonged to Gregory and Hyacinth. “Ok, so these look like they have been over baked.” Agatha said, picking up the cookie and breaking it, the cookie crumbled immediately. “Yes, and it is missing the walnuts and looks like they used the incorrect amount of butter.” Violet said placing the inedible cookie back down. “Now this.” Mary said looking down at the plate which was Colin and Penelope's “Oh, these are wonderful, crisp on the edges, but chewy center. They are perfectly golden brown.” Agatha spoke then.

“Yes, these are lovely. The butter is perfect, the chocolate compliments the walnuts. Very nice.” Violet just groaned when she bit the cookie. “Ok so these are umm.” Violet said looking down at the cookies and seeing nothing but chocolate. They were behind Eloise and Phillips picture “Well you made a cookie, but these appear to be more of just chocolate cookies than chocolate chip.” Mary said moving on to the next tray. “Oh, these look good, maybe a little heavy on the walnuts but still over all very good.” Agatha said at the tray behind Daphne and Simon's picture.

Next was Francesca and Micheal. “Oh, very good, little lacking on the chocolate but still over all good.” Agatha said as they tasted the cookie. “And finally this one, large chunks of chocolate, walnuts not chopped but good flavor.” Violet said at the tray behind Benedict and Sophie's picture.The three women began speaking in quite voices making the choice as to who the winner would be. It only took a few minutes but they walked back to the table .

“Ok, so in 7th place we have this one, standing behind Gregory and Hyacinth's cookies.” Agatha said, raising her eyebrows at the two youngest. Violet stepped forward. “In 6th we have this one.” standing behind Kate and Anthony's. “In 5th we have this one” Mary said moving behind Eloise and Phillips. “In 4th we have this one,” Agatha said standing behind Daphne and Simon's “In third we have this one.” Violet said moving behind Benedict and Sophie's, and in second we have this one.” Moving behind Francesca and Micheals.

“So that leaves this one.” Mary said moving up behind Colin and Penelope's plate. The reactions from his family were instantaneous. “Jesus, this sucks.” Came Anthony's voice. “Well you can drop out now and call it a day.” Colin said wrapping his arm around Penelope's shoulder. “No way in hell, we are quitting now.” Anthony and Kate said at the same time. Colin just grinned listening to his family whine. This was going to be so fun.

Chapter Text

The tent was buzzing; Penelope was attempting to ignore everything that was going on around her. She watched as the three oldest Bridgerton’s ribbed each other. Colin giving as well as taking the piss out of his brothers. Eloise walked over to where she was standing. “So, how does it feel to beat this many Bridgerton’s?” Penelope laughed.

“Oh I know better than that El, after 14 years listening to you all I will not be dragged into this. I am just enjoying the competition, win or lose.” Eloise rolled her eyes at this, Penelope smiled knowing it got underneath Eloise’s skin when she didn’t rise to the epic levels of pettiness the eight siblings were capable of. “Oh, come on, your cookies made mum groan, that is so unfair.” Eloise said stomping her foot. Colin walked over at that point. “Are you trying to interfere with my partner?” He said as he laid his hand on her ass, Penelope jumped at this but luckily El wasn’t naturally observant to the way Colin was always touching her. “Well yea, she can actually bake, I mean come on!” Colin laughed at this, “Well if you hadn’t spent all of your time, damning the patriarchy and helped mum more in the kitchen.” Colin said picking up one of the cookies that were left on the plate.

“Uggh, whatever I will win at least one bake.” Colin laughed out loud at this. “Yea ok,” Eloise stomped away towards Phillip who was covering his mouth trying not to laugh. Colin picked up his apron and tossed it on. “I have a surprise for you.” He whispered into Penelope’s ear as he took over tying her apron, his fingers lingering on her as much as possible. Penelope’s knees were shaking as she leaned back into him. “And that would be?” Colin moved his hips against her, and she gasped. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” Before Penelope could do more than blush Agatha called everyone to attention.
 
“Good afternoon again, so for this afternoon’s bake we had originally discussed doing two pull apart loafs however we did also set a time limit of two hours so we are changing things up, we are only requesting one loaf and after some research we added an additional  half hour.” There were gasps, sighs and of course complaining. Colin knew Hyacinth and Gregory were already attempting to get out of this whole thing and were botching their bakes on purpose just to irritate Anthony. So he could only imagine how entertaining this was going to be. “So same rules, it can be sweet or savory whichever you desire, it must be a full size loaf. “ Agatha continued after the din of the tent died down.

 “Ok bakers, On your mark.” Violet said her eyes scanning the tent. “Get set!” Agatha chimed in this time. “BAKE!” Mary yelled and their was a mad scramble. Colin calmly looked at Pen. “Cinnamon apple?” Penelope nodded, this was the pull apart she would make for rainy Sunday’s and it was also his favorite thing to eat with a cup of tea. He smiled and said yes ma'am “ Ok, so first we need to heat up the milk and then put the yeast in.” Penelope said pulling out a sauce pan and putting on the stove. Colin moved to get the milk out of the fridge and grabbed the package of yeast off the counter.

They worked seamlessly as Penelope's skills in the kitchen really began to shine, before he knew it, she was cutting the bread dough that was covered in butter cinnamon and apples into strips, folding it and putting it into the loaf pan, before covering it again and putting it aside to prove for a bit longer.

Colin took the opportunity to look around the ten watching his siblings, Hyacinth's hair was coated in flour, Gregory hands deep into something, Eloise was standing still while Phillip worked, Colin laughed at this causing Eloise to turn around and shoot him a bird. He turned to look at Anthony and Kate who no where to be found, he stood on tip toe and saw them both sitting on the floor in front of the oven. Sophie and Benedict were drinking tea as they stared at the pan on the counter.

Colin chuckled and turned back around watching as Penelope was sitting on the floor watching their bread which had 30 more minutes to cook, Colin sat on the ground next to the oven and pulled her hand down so she was sitting next to him, their legs touching. He laid a hand on her thigh, his thumb rubbing circles on her leg. He leaned in close to her.

“Baby, if you knew how much you turn me on, I am having a real hard time not picturing you in nothing but this apron.” Penelope's face blushed red. “Oh really now?” Colin nodded. “I am trying to go slow, but fuck.” Penelope's eyes widened at this. “I want you Col.” She said no hesitation in her voice. Colin swallowed thickly. “Pen, I” “Nope, tonight after dinner I want you to take a walk with me.” Colin's brow arched, “What if after my surprise we go for that walk, and we just so happen to wind up at the cabin?” Colin asked, running his nose along her neck. “Then I would say you would probably find out the surprise I have for you, I have been wearing it all day.” Colin's eyes widened, the world around them completely disappearing. “I, ummm. I would say.” Penelope's smile grew wider.

“Yes, baby you would say what?” “Umm, that I want to take that icing drizzle that I know you are going to make and coat your beautifully amazing tits in it and.” “Ok you have 45 minutes left.” Agatha called out, effectively breaking them out of the little bubble of sexual tension. Colin groaned carefully adjusting his hips but not before looking up and noticing Sophie watching them, while Benedict's attention was else where. She winked and then turned away. Penelope's face was blood red as she stood and started working on the said icing drizzle as Colin moved to start cleaning up. At the thirty minute mark Penelope pulled their bread out of the oven to begin to cool, knowing it would still cook for a little longer.

At the fifteen minute mark she turned the pan over and the loaf slipped out beautifully the slices falling on to the long plate she had picked out, she reached over and picked up the bowl of icing drizzle and poured it over the bread. “Ugggh, I really hope they don't eat a lot of this, I am dying to eat this.” Colin said moving to stand next to her. Penelope giggled, “Oh really??” Colin nodded, “I mean since I have to wait to devour the thing I really want, yes.” Penelope's whole chest went red as she covered her face with the dish towel she was holding. Colin grinned like a loon, just as time was called.

Colin barely paid attention as his siblings offerings were tried.

He just kept watching Penelope's reactions, she was paying attention to everything the three older women were saying soaking it in. This was one of the many things he loved about her, she was a sponge for knowledge, when they got to their station Colin was just smiling, allowing Penelope's work to shine, he knew this was all on her and he honestly was beaming with pride, he watched as they took a slice and tried it, he watched their faces as they bit into the bread that he knew was good as hell. “Oh, goodness, how did you do this dear?” Mary asked, her face displaying her pleasure. 'The apples and cinnamon are perfect, the apples didn't make the bread too soggy, it's lovely.” His mother chimed in, She was always proud of Penelope's achievements and was the only one who knew the truth about the two of them out of his family. He smiled as he watched Agatha's eyes close as she took a bite.

“I may need you to provide my cook with this recipe dear.” She said as they walked to the next station. Colin hugged her as they moved past their station. She was smiling so huge he was floored, he loved her smile, he knew he wasn't going to make it to the finale before he proposed. He stood patiently next to her, trying to keep his hands to his self but failing as he slid his hand across her lower back, allowing his fingers to tease lightly across the top of her ass. Penelope's whimper was just loud enough for him to hear.

The three judges walked back to the front of the tent and spoke in low tones for a few minutes. “Ok, so I get the fun job this week of announcing the star bakers,” Violet said her face betraying nothing. “The star bakers are,” She paused and Colin's hand tensed. “Penelope and Colin!” She shouted and their was a mix of cheers and groans and a squeal from Penelope as she jumped into his arms. Colin was smiling as he wrapped his arm around her. Once the tent quieted down Mary spoke. “I have the unfortunate job of announcing the team that is eliminated this week, and that is.” The room took a collective deep breath.

“Hyacinth and Gregory.” “Oh thank God!' Hyacinth's voice carried over the other noise in the tent. “Sorry mum, but umm yea, I am not a fan of baking.” She said as Violet wrapped her youngest child in a hug. They cheered and congratulated Colin and Penelope's victory. “So the ranking's are as follows,' Agatha said “Colin and Penelope are first, Daphne and Simon second, Francesca and Micheal third. Eloise and Phillip are fourth and tied for 5th currently is Benedict and Sophie, Kate and Anthony.” the collective groans from his oldest siblings was the sound of pure music to his ears.

They all began to move towards the tent exit, knowing they would be back in two days, but Colin wasn't thinking about that he was thinking about Penelope's surprise. His family began walking back up to the house when Penelope's hand wrapped around his and dragged him the opposite direction. Colin gasped when Penelope's arm's latched around his neck and dragged him down for a kiss. Colin moaned into the kiss, his hand moving of their own accord as he walked them backwards towards a willow tree that sat outside the tent. Once he had her against the tree, he bent down momentarily breaking their kiss and lifted her up by her thighs. Her legs wrapping around him automatically. “I wanted to wait to give you your surpise, but I couldn't wait.” Penelope said, her voice was wrecked with need and want. “Pen.” Colin said, his voice matching hers.

“Touch me baby.” She begged he slid his hand further up her thigh, he was still trying to figure out what her surprise was when he figured it out. “OH FUCK PEN.” Colin growled as he realized his girlfriend, the love of his life wasn't wearing panties, and apparently hadn't been wearing them for a while. Colin lifted his head from where it was buried in her neck and carefully, so as to not drop her lifted her skirt back, baring her bare pussy to him and Colin's knees almost gave out. Colin carefully lowered her to the ground and then before she could protest lowered his own body down , kneeling in front of her, he began running his hand back up her leg, grasping her thigh and placing it on his shoulder, baring her once again to his gaze and Colin was struck dumb. He tenderly ran a finger between her lips causing her entire body to shiver.

“Mmm, baby please.” Penelope's plea was breathy and wanton. Colin smirked as he buried his mouth on her pussy, licking up and down before latching on to her clit as he slid one finger and then two into her. “Oh, Col Baby. I I” Colin smiled his mouth not leaving her pussy. “Is this all for me baby?” He said noting she was soaking wet.” “Always Col, I am always wet for you baby.” Penelope's moaned as she moved one hand into his hair and the other the cup her own breast.”Colin growled when he saw her do this, doubling the speed of his thrusts, curling his finger up to catch the perfect spot. “Colin , fuck. I”

“Come on baby, mmmm be my good girl, please.” “Col, Col I” Colin pressed hard and begged. “Let go baby, Show me how much you want me.” This was all it took for Penelope to shatter, her relase coating his face, Penelope screaming out a guttural noise that was a mix of a moan and a growl.Colin was astounded as he watched her come back down from her orgasm, she covered her face, “Oh, god I can't” “Oh no baby, that was fucking amazing and I will spend the rest of my life making you do that.” Colin said standing up. “Oh, Col you.” Colin shook his head. “Nope, I will be fine, besides I still have my surprise later.” He said helping her straighten up the mess he had made out of her. He took her hand and began to walk about to the house. They made it to the back door when they saw Anthony and Benedict standing there. “So umm, Colin anything you want to share?” Anthony said, before Colin could speak Benedict cut in. “Like, why do I now know what Penelope's orgasms sound like?”
 

Chapter Text

The world was ending, she was dead that was the only thought she had as she felt her entire body flush, even as Colin wrapped his arm around her waist and her burying her head in his chest, a low rumble of a laugh reverberating through her she was dead. “Oh jesus christ nope.” Penelope murmured into his chest, moving her hands to cover her face. “I swear to God Benedict if you.” Colin said trying his best to protect Penelope's dignity.

“Look, I am sorry but Penelope's really loud and we were trying to prevent Eloise from storming out here looking for the two of you. I didn't mean to hear you but, damn.” Benedict said the laughter evident in his voice. “So when did this start?” Anthony asked the father figure in perpetuity. “Umm, It started the day the terms of the bake off were set.” Colin admitted knowing he wasn't going to get out of it. “Well that explains the purse my wife acquired mysteriously that I didn't pay for.”Anthony said, the laughter in his voice evident. “Look, we are just enjoying being together, and yes before you ask questions or qualifiers we are together. Penelope is my amazinlgy beautiful girlfriend. I just was trying to avoid the family drama.” Colin said running his hand up and down her back, trying to calm her even as she let out a groan into his chest.”

“Well, you may as well own up to it. We may have also noticed the way you were touching in the tent. I am pretty sure the only one's that don't know at this point is Eloise, mum Hyacinth and Gregory. Which by the way Gregory is going to be crushed, he always figured Penelope would want him when he was old enough.” Benedict stated watching Colin's ears go red with a mix of embareesment and frustation. Penelope groaned again but lifted her head to look up at Colin who stared into her eyes. “Might as well,” Colin nods, then takes her hand kisses the back of it and pulls her into the house, his family is all sitting in the living room.

“Family, we have an announcement to make.” Colin said waiting for the noise to die down. He watched as everyone in the room turned to look at the two of them, he watched as they clocked their hand holding, their closeness and then the whole room exploded. “OH MY GOD!!!” Hyacinth screamed as she bolted towards them, almost knocking Penelope down in the process. “Hy, I don't think Penelope can breathe.” Colin laughed as his mother walked over to him, placing her hands on his face.

“I am so happy for you two.” She said placing a kiss on his cheek before moving over to wrap her arms around Penelope, this of course set Penelope to crying. One by one his family congratulated them before Colin realized the only person who hadn't was Eloise, she was standing across the room her mouth open, her eyes blazing with something he couldn't name. Penelope's face dropped, Colin was about to say something when Eloise bolted across the room, hugging Penelope so tightly “Oh my God, your going to be my sister, like for real real. Like Damn Colin took you long enough to admit it.” Colin's mouth dropped open as he stared at her. Colin looked at Penelope's face, she had a huge smile on her face and tears were streaming freely.

“I am sorry we didn't” Eloise waved a hand at him. “Oh whatever, I did the same thing with Phillip I hid it for almost 6 months.” At this the entire family started yelling. Penelope was laughing at this point. “Ok enough, time for dinner.” Colin laughed as he took Penelope's hand and pulled her away from the throng of his family, towards the hall. “It's time for your surprise.” He said walking back out the door they had just came through

Colin led them to the old hunting cottage, when he opened the door their was a small table with lit candles, their was soft music playing in the back ground. A picnic basket was sitting on a small table as well. Penelope gasped as she turned to face him. “I wanted you to have a good night, just the two of us. I promise I have no expectations. Penelope tugged his hand, pulling his body to hers.

“I love you Colin Christopher Bridgerton.” Colin smiled broadly, wrapping his arms around her, slowly starting to sway, the song that was playing finished, but another started, Penelope couldn't place the song at first but then she looked up at Colin, tears threatening in his eyes, his lips were moving the words of the song very quitely coming out of his mouth. “Colin, sing for me.” Penelope asked, her voice low and soft. She had always loved hearing him sing.

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I will never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love.

“ I love you Penelope.” Penelope's gasp was quick but she reached up and pulled his head down to kiss her. “Colin, I love you.” Colin grinned before he did something he had been dying to do but honestly thought was too soon. He looked into those amazing blue eyes. “Pen. Will you marry me?” Penelope gasped again, but this time she fainted.

Chapter Text

“ I love you Penelope.” Penelope's gasp was quick but she reached up and pulled his head down to kiss her. “Colin, I love you.” Colin grinned before he did something he had been dying to do but honestly thought was too soon. He looked into those amazing blue eyes. “Pen. Will you marry me?” Penelope gasped again, but this time she fainted.

She saw blue, the bluest eyes she had ever seen were staring at her, as he asked her to marry him. She could feel all the blood rushing to her face, then she blacked out, the world titling on it's axis. She felt the cold water dripping on her face, why was their water dropping on her face, was it raining. There was a voice, oh she knew that voice, she loved that voice. “Baby, please come back, come on Pen.” She groaned as her eyes fluttered open. She saw those blue eyes again. “Colin?” Penelope's voice came out sounding small and confused. “Oh Christ Pen, are you ok?” He said running his hand over the back of her head. She felt a pain when he hit a spot on the back of her head, indicating she had a knot from hitting her head. “Colin, did you?” Colin grinned.

“Yea, but I am not going to repeat it, if it makes you pass out.” He said chuckling, running his finger along her cheek. “Please?” Colin's brow rose. “Please what Pen?” Colin asked, his breath hitching as he stared into her eyes. She felt like she was willingly drowning as Colin's eyes roamed over her face, watching for any signs of stress. “Please ask me again.” Penelope said, her voice quite but strong. Colin swallowed hard and knelt. “Penelope Anne Featherington, I was going to wait but I can't wait anymore. You have been a part of my heart for such a long time, I don't remember what it's like to not love you. You make me such a better man, I love you with everything I am and everything I can be. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making so many memories, good and bad. I want to see you in a white dress, walking towards our future.” Penelope could no longer hold back the tears at this. She allowed them to flow freely.

Colin smiled up at her before he continued. “You are the absolute best parts of me, my love. I will love you past tille death do us part. So will you please put this humble chaotic soul out of it's misery and marry me?” The sob broke out as she covered her mouth, he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket. “Col?” Colin grinned, I have been carrying since we got together, I got it the day we got together.” Penelope's tears were not stopping as she stroked her hand over his face, she bent forward, as his face was about level with hers and touched her lips to his. “Yes.” She said before kissing him.

It took Colin's brain a few seconds to catch up but when it did, he responded more than enthusiastically. He grabbed her face, dropping the ring box in the process, Penelope's arms wrapped around his neck as he dragged her down on top of him, Colin's mouth latched on to his and they rolled so that Colin was on top of her, he kissed her deeply as his hands began to wander.

“Pen, fuck I love you so damn much woman.” Penelope giggled as he started peppering kisses all over her face and down to her chest. Penelope ran her fingers through his hair. Colin groaned and smirked, he was always a sucker for Penelope playing with his hair. “So, do I get my ring?” Penelope asked, her smile playful as Colin's eyes widened comically. He moved back up to his knees, as Penelope pushed herself up into a sitting position. Colin looked around for a few seconds panic already creeping in until he spotted the box.

Colin reached and grabbed it, before bringing it back to her face, Penelope was already crying again, this time with a huge smile on her face. He opened the box and Penelope gasped. She held out her hand it was shaking as Colin carefully removed the vintage Edwardian style ring, he knew she wasn't big on flash, but this was just the perfect amount of flash for her. Colin slid it on her finger and kissed it when it was in place. Penelope's eyes met his, “Let's do this, let's go show everyone.” Colin grinned as he stood pulling her up with him, he stopped to blow out the candles on the table before moving towards the door, before she could open it, he pushed her body up against it, caging her in. “I can't wait to marry you wife.” Penelope's smile grew. “I love you husband.” Colin planted a firm kiss on her. They made it back to the house and walked into the living room where his family was all still gathered. “We are engaged.” Colin said the words sounded far away but still important. The world stopped and then started again, all because of a baking competition.